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Shudder Horror Streaming Service Beta Test Review

Perhaps inspired by their annual Halloween horror marathon, FearFest, AMC is currently beta testing an all horror streaming service, Shudder. Considering FearFest has practically replayed the same lineup on loop in recent years, how promising can this be for horror fans?

Surprisingly, quite promising. This horror streaming service is clearly developed by people with a clear understanding and appreciation of the genre. The layout and design is aesthetically pleasing, with clear thought to the categories in which to find your selection.

If you don’t want to search by categories there’s a browse section which displays their current catalog and can be sorted by your preferred order. Can’t decide? There’s an option called Shudder.TV, which opens to a continuous loop of films played at random. You can just sit back and enjoy whatever is already programmed, though you’ll likely catch something mid play.

Unfortunately there’s no current search option, though this is still beta testing and will very likely be added before rolling out to the masses. The programmers are already listening to their beta testers; when the testing began the Shudder.TV did not tell you what you were watching, which was corrected quickly when fans were curious to know what they were enjoying.

But perhaps the most important question, how is the content? Considering this is a niche streaming service, content is extremely important especially when hoping to compete with well established services like Netflix. Rest assured, genre fans, you will be pleased. The selection is well varied and well chosen. Titles of all categories, from classics to independent, ensure there’s a flavor of horror for all fans. From slasher classics Maniac,or Maniac Cop, to independent films I Am a Ghost or the Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh, the selection is impressive. There’s everything from schlock to critically acclaimed darlings, and skeptics of quality can rest assured.

Like other streaming services, users can rate and review a film, which can then be upvoted based on relevance. User reviews are below the film’s trailer and synopsis.

Beta testing is currently only available in the U.S., though Shudder will be available worldwide once ready. The service will be offered for $4.99 monthly, or $49.99 annually. There are currently offerings on Shudder that you can find on Netflix, or other streaming services, but plenty that are exclusive. The current film list is around 200, but Shudder has assured me there are hundreds of additional titles coming soon. This fan is sold.

About the Author

Meagan Navarro is a blogger from Houston, TX. She fell in love with monsters at age four after being exposed to them via Ghostbusters, and her passion grew into an obsession for all things horror and Halloween (which is the entire month of October, as far as she’s concerned). Meagan also loves traveling and chocolate.

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12 thoughts on “Shudder Horror Streaming Service Beta Test Review”

The moment this becomes available in the States, and the moment I’m back in the States, I’m subscribing to this. By the way, does it also have Horror TV shows or original content? Or is that Phase 2 and 3?

Have you reached out to Shudder support yet? They’re pretty on top of their game trying to work out any kinks during their beta testing. If you still have the trial, try contacting support- the Shudder catalog is amazing.